“They are there, just invisible.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s an ability we have. It makes it easier when I’m in the mortal world. We are nothing like the humans’ concept of angels, Eve. At least not like those in Heaven.We, supposedly, were shaped to resemble the impossible perfection your God created.” A mocking note entered his voice. “Wewere meant to be all things perfect. Or, so our creator intended, but flaws will find a way.”
“Flaws?” But he was perfect. “I thought God created all angels.”
“Your God did. Like Michael.”
“Michael is an ang—thearchangel?”
“Yes.”
It all fit, Michael’s otherworldly appearance, his glowing eyes.
“Then who er- made you—the Empyreans?”
“Urias.” Reynner shoved back his wind-mussed hair and glared at the flowing river. “Spawned off Chaos, he wanted nothing but the perfect race. Seems he forgot everything is about balance. You cannot have yin without the yang. Perfection doesn't come without a price.” His bitter words flayed her.
“I'm sorry…”
“It’s not your fault.” His laugh was harsh, his expression dark as he continued to stare at the river. “Now we must find a way out of this damn mess he created—a way to survive.”
“How?”
“Find the Stone first and hope like hell it all works out,” he said flatly.
“The artifact you want me to locate—that’s what your world needs?” she asked a little stunned.
He nodded. The crashing falls, the only sound between them. Eve wanted to tell him it would be all right, but what the heck did she know about anything. About Reynner’s world? She rubbed her arms at the sudden spread of goosebumps and waited. Hoped he’d talk more.
After a long moment, he turned to her. “About last night…I’m sorry.”
That took her by surprise. Obviously, it was on his mind, considering how upset he’d been moments ago. Then a blush heated her face, recalling exactly what had occurred in his room. She remained silent.
“You offered comfort while I—” He pinched the bridge of his nose, then lowered his hand. “You didn’t have to be subjected to that horror. How bad was it?”
“What?” she asked, wariness creeping back.
“You took in all that shit from me, there had to be repercussions. How bad was it?”
Right, he meant what she’d seen in his memories, not what had happened between them. “I’m okay.” Now.
His eyes became blue steel. “Tell me.”
A shiver racing over her, Eve wrapped her arms around her waist. “I can feel and see a person’s thoughts through touch…”
“And?”
“I saw those monsters hurting you.” She didn't want to talk about the terror, the pain she’d felt. She especially didn’t want to discuss what she’d seen next, and prayed he wouldn’t make her. That horrid woman digging into his wounds and what she’d done to him after… It had only been a brief flash before he’d awakened and shoved her away, but Eve knew…she saw. A lump lodged in her throat.
A harsh expletive left him. “I could have done you lasting damage.”
She swallowed, tried to brush it off. “No-no, I'm fine.”
“Don’t lie, Eve. Don’t you lie to me. I saw your face—the pain! You experiencedeverything you saw, didn't you?”
She bit her lip and stared silently at him.
